Mgr Roderick Strange has been appointed Professor in Theology at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Mgr Strange a former rector of the Pontifical Beda College and member of the Theology Faculty at the University of Oxford, joined St Mary’s as visiting professor in January and will now take up a permanent role for the start of the 2015/16 academic year. Francis Campbell, the university’s vice-chancellor, said he was "delighted" Mgr Strange had agreed to join. "His expert grasp of theology and high standing in academia will be a tremendous asset to our School of Theology and to the University at large.” Mgr Roderick Strange said: “I look forward to joining St Mary’s as a Professor in Theology. The permanent role will allow a deeper exploration of how faith contributes to learning.” Mgr Strange is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has written several books and articles, with his area of expertise being Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman. He also writes a monthly column for The Times newspaper on religion and faith. St Mary’s has made a number of appointments, including former Education Secretary Ruth Kelly, former Irish President Mary McAleese, Cabinet minister Baroness Warsi and Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward.